U.S. patent number 11,453,503 [Application Number 16/444,419] was granted by the patent office on 2022-09-27 for coupling for connecting air circuit portions of avionics rack.
This patent grant is currently assigned to AIRBUS OPERATIONS (S.A.S.). The grantee listed for this patent is AIRBUS OPERATIONS (S.A.S.). Invention is credited to Bernard Guering, Laurent Saint-Marc.
United States Patent |
11,453,503 |
Saint-Marc , et al. |
September 27, 2022 |
Coupling for connecting air circuit portions of avionics rack
Abstract
A coupling is disclosed providing fluidic continuity between
first and second orifices of two portions of an air circuit which
includes a flexible sleeve, a first frame connected in fluid-tight
manner to a first end of the flexible sleeve and having a first
opening, and a second frame, connected in fluid-tight manner to a
second end of the flexible sleeve and having a second opening. The
coupling is deformable so that the flexible sleeve may adapt to the
variable spacing between two avionics racks and is able to
compensate for a misalignment between the orifices of two portions
of an air circuit.
Inventors: |
Saint-Marc; Laurent (Montaigut
sur Save, FR), Guering; Bernard (Montrabe,
FR) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AIRBUS OPERATIONS (S.A.S.) |
Toulouse |
N/A |
FR |
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|
Assignee: |
AIRBUS OPERATIONS (S.A.S.)
(Toulouse, FR)
|
Family
ID: |
1000006584291 |
Appl.
No.: |
16/444,419 |
Filed: |
June 18, 2019 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20190389584 A1 |
Dec 26, 2019 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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Jun 20, 2018 [FR] |
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1855445 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16L
27/107 (20130101); F16L 25/0009 (20130101); H05K
7/20545 (20130101); B64D 13/06 (20130101); F16L
27/11 (20130101); B64D 2013/0614 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B64D
13/06 (20060101); F16L 25/00 (20060101); F16L
27/11 (20060101); H05K 7/20 (20060101); F16L
27/107 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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20 2008 004377 |
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Jun 2008 |
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DE |
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2 574 544 |
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Apr 2013 |
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EP |
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3 301 344 |
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Apr 2018 |
|
EP |
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96/00361 |
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Jan 1996 |
|
WO |
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2004/000646 |
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Dec 2003 |
|
WO |
|
Other References
French Search Report for French Application No. 1855445, two pages,
dated Feb. 13, 2019. cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Dravininkas; Adam B
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Nixon & Vanderhye P.C.
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A coupling for connecting a first orifice of a first portion of
an air circuit opening onto a first wall and a second orifice of a
second portion of an air circuit opening onto a second wall,
wherein the coupling comprises: a flexible sleeve, a first frame
having a first face, the first frame having a second face connected
in fluid-tight manner to a first end of the flexible sleeve and a
first opening connecting the first and second faces, the first
frame being configured to collaborate with a first coupling system
having a first slide-way connection to allow the first frame to
move with respect to the first wall in a first direction of
introduction parallel to the first wall, a second frame having a
first face, the second frame having a second face connected in
fluid-tight manner to a second end of the flexible sleeve and a
second opening connecting the first and second faces, the second
frame being configured to collaborate with a second coupling system
having a second slide-way connection to allow the second frame to
move with respect to the second wall in a second direction of
introduction parallel to the second wall.
2. The coupling according to claim 1, wherein the first face of the
first frame further comprises a first peripheral seal surrounding
the first opening and, wherein the first face of the second frame
comprises a second peripheral seal surrounding the second
opening.
3. The coupling according to claim 1, further comprising at least
one handle.
4. The coupling according to claim 1, wherein one edge of at least
one of the first and second frames comprises a hollow tube and,
wherein each handle comprises a cable having a portion housed
inside the hollow tube and ends connected to one another in order
to form a loop.
5. A connecting device for connecting a first orifice of a first
portion of an air circuit opening onto a first wall, and a second
orifice of a second portion of an air circuit opening onto a second
wall, the connecting device comprising: a coupling according to
claim 1, a first coupling system configured to be connected to the
first wall near the first orifice, comprising a first slide-way
connection configured to allow the first frame to move with respect
to the first wall in a first direction of introduction, parallel to
the first wall and a second coupling system configured to be
connected to the second wall near the second orifice, comprising a
second slide-way connection configured to allow the second frame to
move with respect to the second wall in a second direction of
introduction, parallel to the second wall, the coupling being able
to move between a coupled state in which the flexible sleeve
coincides with the first and second orifices and a disconnected
state in which the flexible sleeve does not coincide with the first
and second orifices.
6. The connecting device according to claim 5, wherein each of the
first and second slide-ways further comprises first and second
brackets secured to the first or second wall, arranged on either
side of the first or second orifice and configured to accept first
and second edges of the first or second frame of the coupling, the
first and second brackets comprising first and second ends,
respectively, via which the first or second frame is introduced,
which flare out in order to make it easier for the first or second
frame to be introduced.
7. The connecting device according to claim 5, wherein at least one
of the first and second coupling systems further comprises an end
stop configured to halt the translational movement of the coupling
in the coupled state.
8. The connecting device according to claim 5, wherein at least one
of the first and second coupling systems further comprises a
locking system configured to immobilize the coupling in a coupled
state, the coupling being immobilized between the end stop and the
locking system in the coupled state.
9. The connecting device according to claim 5, wherein the locking
system further comprises a flexible tongue which has a base secured
to the first or second wall as well as a tab portion having an end
oriented towards the first or second orifice, configured to deform
elastically between a rest state in which the end is spaced away
from the first or second wall and immobilizes the coupling in the
coupled state, and a deformed state in which the end is stuck
against or close to the first or second wall so as to allow the
coupling to be disconnected.
10. The connecting device according to claim 9, wherein the locking
system further comprises at least one cutout provided on at least
one of the first and second frames and configured to house the end
of the flexible tongue when the latter is in the rest state and the
coupling is in the coupled state.
11. An aircraft air circuit, comprising a first portion opening via
a first orifice onto a first wall, a second portion opening via a
second orifice onto a second wall, and a connecting device
according to claim 5 connecting the first and second orifices.
12. An aircraft avionics rack coupling, comprising: a first frame;
a second frame; a flexible sleeve having a first end and a second
end; the first frame having a first face and a second face
connected to the first end of the flexible sleeve, and a first
opening connecting the first and second faces; the second frame
having a first face and a second face connected to the second end
of the flexible sleeve, and a second opening connecting the first
and second faces; a first coupling system having a first slide-way
connection allowing the first frame to move relative to a first
wall of a first air circuit portion in a direction parallel to the
first wall; and, a second coupling system having a second slide-way
connection allowing the second frame to move relative to a second
wall of a second air circuit portion in a direction parallel to the
second wall.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims priority to and incorporates by reference
French Patent Application Number 1855445, filed Jun. 20, 2018.
BACKGROUND
1. Field of the Invention
The present application generally relates to a coupling for
connecting two portions of an air circuit and, more specifically,
to a connecting device including the coupling, and to an aircraft
air circuit including the connecting device.
2. Description of the Related Art
An aircraft comprises an electrical and electronic bay (E&E
bay) in which various hardware needed particularly for flying the
airplane, for managing the electrical power and other networks such
as communications and fluid networks are installed. Thus, this bay
generally contains several avionics racks in which various
electrical and/or electronic systems are housed.
An avionics rack may comprise a lower wall, an upper wall, two
vertical lateral walls connecting the upper and lower walls and
supporting shelves on which the electric and/or electronic systems
are arranged. Given the increase in volume of the electrical and/or
electronic systems, the avionics racks are closely spaced.
In order to cool the electrical and/or electronic systems, an
avionics rack comprises a portion of an air circuit which portion
is connected to another portion of the air circuit using a
connecting device.
According to one way of achieving this, a connecting device is
provided having a rigid sleeve inserted into the ends of the two
air circuit portions that are to be connected and clamps positioned
at each of the ends of the rigid sleeve in order to connect it to
the air circuit portions. This approach requires a significant
amount of clear space in the continuation of the ends of the
portions of the air circuit so as to allow the rigid sleeve to be
fitted. As a result, it is not suitable for connecting two air
circuit portions that are incorporated into two closely spaced
avionics racks.
SUMMARY
The present invention is embodied as a coupling for connecting a
first orifice of a first portion of an air circuit opening onto a
first wall, and a second orifice of a second portion of an air
circuit opening onto a second wall, wherein the coupling comprises
a flexible sleeve, a first frame having a first face, a second face
connected in fluid-tight manner to a first end of the flexible
sleeve, and a first opening connecting the first and second faces
and a second frame having a first face, a second face connected in
fluid-tight manner to a second end of the flexible sleeve and a
second opening, connecting the first and second faces.
This coupling can be fitted, and easily and quickly installed
without the use of tools, in a limited space between two avionics
racks. As a result of its deformability, the flexible sleeve can
adapt to the variable spacing between two avionics racks and is
able to compensate for a misalignment between the orifices of two
portions of an air circuit.
According to another feature, the first face of the first frame may
compromise a first peripheral seal surrounding the first opening,
and the first face of the second frame comprises a second
peripheral seal surrounding the second opening. The coupling may
include at least one handle.
According to an exemplary embodiment, one edge of at least one of
the first and second frames has a hollow tube, each handle may
comprise a cable having a portion housed inside the hollow tube,
and ends connected to one another in order to form a loop.
The invention is also embodied as a connecting device for
connecting a first orifice of a first portion of an air circuit
opening onto a first wall and a second orifice of a second portion
of an air circuit opening onto a second wall, the connecting device
comprising:
a coupling according to the invention,
a first coupling system configured to be connected to the first
wall near the first orifice and including a first slide-way
connection configured to allow the first frame to move with respect
to the first wall in a first direction of introduction, parallel to
the first wall,
a second coupling system, configured to be connected to the second
wall near the second orifice, comprising a second slide-way
connection configured to allow the second frame to move with
respect to the second wall in a second direction of introduction,
parallel to the second wall, the coupling being able to move
between a coupled state in which the flexible sleeve coincides with
the first and second orifices and a disconnected state in which the
flexible sleeve does not coincide with the first and second
orifices.
According to another feature, each of the first and second
slide-ways may comprise first and second brackets secured to the
first or second wall, arranged on either side of the first or
second orifice, and configured to accept first and second edges of
the first or second frame of the coupling, the first and second
brackets comprising first and second ends, respectively, via which
the first or second frame is introduced, which flare out in order
to make it easier for the first or second frame to be
introduced.
According to another feature, at least one of the first and second
coupling systems may comprise an end stop configured to halt the
translational movement of the coupling in the coupled state.
According to another feature, at least one of the first and second
coupling systems comprises a locking system configured to
immobilize the coupling in a coupled state. the coupling being
immobilized between the end stop and the locking system in the
coupled state.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the locking system comprises
a flexible tongue which has a base secured to the first or second
wall as well as a tab portion having an end oriented towards the
first or second orifice, configured to deform elastically between a
rest state in which the end is spaced away from the first or second
wall and immobilizes the coupling in the coupled state, and a
deformed state in which the end is stuck against or close to the
first or second wall so as to allow the coupling to be
disconnected.
According to another feature, the locking system comprises at least
one cutout, provided on at least one of the first and second
frames, configured to house the end of the flexible tongue when the
latter is in the rest state and the coupling is in the coupled
state.
The invention is also embodied as an aircraft air circuit
comprising a first portion opening via a first orifice onto a first
wall, a second portion opening via a second orifice onto a second
wall and a connecting device according to the invention connecting
the first and second orifices.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For an understanding of embodiments of the disclosure, reference is
now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a side view of the first and second avionics racks,
respectively, illustrating first and second portions of an air
circuit connected by a connecting device in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a coupling, in a disconnected
state, of the connecting device shown in FIG. 1, and of the first
and second coupling systems of the connecting device shown in FIG.
1 which are provided respectively on the first and second avionics
racks;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the coupling shown in FIG. 2,
positioned on the first avionics rack;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a locking system of the connecting
device;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a coupling of a connecting
device;
FIG. 6 is a side view of the coupling shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the coupling shown in FIG. 5; and,
FIG. 8 is a side view of the coupling shown in FIG. 5.
In the accompanying drawings, like reference characters refer to
the same or similar parts throughout the different views. The
drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being
placed upon illustrating particular principles, discussed
below.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS
Some embodiments will now be described with reference to the
Figures.
Referring to FIG. 1, a connecting device 10 in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment is illustrated and configured to connect a
first air circuit portion 12 positioned in a first avionics rack 14
and a second air circuit portion 12' positioned in a second
avionics rack 14'.
The first avionics rack 14 may include a lower wall 16, an upper
wall 18, a right-hand vertical lateral wall 20 as oriented in FIG.
1, and a left-hand vertical lateral wall 22 as oriented in FIG. 1
and connecting the lower and upper walls 16, 18. A second avionics
rack 14' may comprise a lower wall 16', an upper wall 18', and a
right-hand vertical lateral wall 22' as oriented in FIG. 1, and a
left-hand vertical lateral wall 20' as oriented in FIG. 1 and
connecting the lower and upper walls 16', 18'. The second avionics
rack 14' is positioned in relation to the first avionics rack 14 in
such a way that its right-hand vertical lateral wall 22' is
positioned facing the left-hand vertical lateral wall 22 of the
first avionics rack 14.
According to one configuration, the first air circuit portion 12
opens onto the left-hand vertical lateral wall 22 via a first
orifice 24. The second air circuit portion 12' opens onto the
right-hand vertical lateral wall 22' via a second orifice 24',
positioned approximately facing the first orifice 24.
As best seen in FIG. 1, the first and second avionics racks 14, 14'
may be substantially identical, but the first and second avionics
racks 14, 14' may be different and have differing shape and
configuration. The first portion of air circuit 12 opens via a
first orifice 24 onto a first wall 22 and a second portion of air
circuit 12' opens via a second orifice 24' onto a second wall 22'.
At the periphery of the first and second orifices 24, 24', the
first and second walls 22, 22' are more or less planar.
According to one configuration, the first and second orifices 24,
24' are identical. According to an exemplary embodiment, the first
and second orifices 24, 24' have a cross section that is
approximately square with rounded corners. Other shapes,
configurations, and geometry for the cross section of the first and
second orifices 24, 24' are contemplated to be within the scope of
the disclosure. The first and second orifices 24, 24' each may have
a given cross section.
The connecting device 10 comprises:
a first coupling system 26 configured to be connected to the first
wall 22 near the first orifice 24,
a second coupling system 26' configured to be connected to the
second wall 22',
a coupling 28 which has a flexible sleeve 30, a first frame 32,
connected in fluid-tight manner to a first end of the flexible
sleeve 30, configured to collaborate with the first coupling system
26 in such a way as to surround the first orifice 24 and provide a
seal between the first wall 22 and the first frame 32 and a second
frame 32', connected in a fluid-tight manner to a second end of the
flexible sleeve 30, configured to collaborate with the second
coupling system 26' in such a way as to surround the second orifice
24' and provide a seal between the second wall 22' and the second
frame 32'.
The first coupling system 26 comprises a first slide-way connection
34 configured to allow the first frame 32 to move with respect to
the first wall 22 in a first direction of introduction DI parallel
to the first wall 22. Similarly, the second coupling system 26'
comprises a second slide-way connection 34' configured to allow the
second frame 32' to move with respect to the second wall 22' in a
second direction of introduction DI' parallel to the second wall
22'.
The first and second slide-way connections 34, 34' are configured
in such a way that first and second directions of introduction DI,
DI' are approximately parallel. The fact that the sleeve 30 is
flexible means that a certain discrepancy and tolerances between
the first and second directions of introduction DI, DI' can be
accommodated.
The first and second slide-way connections 34, 34' also allow the
coupling 28 to move between a connected first state in which the
flexible sleeve 30 coincides with the first and second orifices 24,
24', and provide fluidic continuity between the first and second
portions of the air circuit 12, 12', and a disconnected second
state in which the flexible sleeve 30 does not coincide with the
first and second orifices 24, 24' and does not provide any fluidic
continuity between the first and second portions of the air circuit
12, 12'.
The first frame 32 has a first face 32.1 (referred to as the
exterior face) facing towards the avionics rack 14 when the
coupling 28 is in the coupled state, and a second face 32.2
connected in fluid-tight manner to a first end of the flexible
sleeve 30. The second frame 32' has a first face 32.1' (referred to
as the exterior face), facing towards the avionics rack 14' when
the coupling 28 is in the coupled state, and a second face 32.2'
connected in fluid-tight manner to a second end of the flexible
sleeve 30.
Each frame 32 (or 32') may comprise an opening 36 (or 36')
connecting the first and second faces 32.1, 32.2 (or 32.1', 32.2')
that has a cross section identical to or slightly larger than that
of the first or second orifice 24 (or 24') with which the frame 32
(or 32') collaborates. Each frame 32 (or 32') also may comprise
first and second edges 38, 40 (or 38', 40') which are rectilinear
and parallel and arranged on either side of the opening 36 (or 36')
and third and fourth edges 42, 44 (or 42', 44') likewise arranged
either side of the opening 36 (or 36').
According to one configuration, when the coupling 28 is in the
coupled state, the first and second edges 38, 40 (38', 40') are
horizontal, the first edge 38 (or 38') is positioned below the
opening 36 (or 36'), the second edge 40 (or 40') is positioned
above the opening 36 (or 36').
According to an exemplary embodiment, each frame 32, 32' may have a
square or rectangular outline. Each frame 32, 32' takes the form of
a plate having a thickness between 3 and 10 mm. For example, each
frame 32, 32' may be made of metal or made of composite
material.
The connecting device may comprise a first peripheral seal 46,
surrounding the first opening 36, interposed between the first
frame 32 of the coupling 28 and the first wall 22 of the first
avionics rack 14, and a second peripheral seal 46', surrounding the
second opening 36', interposed between the second frame 32' of the
coupling 28 and the second wall 22' of the second avionics rack 14'
once the connecting device is mounted.
The first and second coupling systems 26, 26' allow the first and
second frames 32, 32' to be kept pressed firmly against the first
and second walls 22, 22', respectively, slightly compressing the
first and second peripheral seals 46, 46'.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the coupling 28 the first
peripheral seal 46 may be connected to the first face 32.1 of the
first frame 32, and the second peripheral seal 46' may be connected
to the first face 32.1' of second frame 32'. The connection between
the first or second peripheral seal 46, 46' and the first or second
frame 32, 32' is obtained by overmoulding. For example, the first
and second peripheral seal 46, 46' may be made from a material of
the elastomer type. Alternatively, the first and second peripheral
seals 46, 46' could be respectively connected to the first and
second walls 22, 22' of the avionics racks 14, 14'.
The flexible sleeve 30 of the coupling 28 is configured to deform
so as to compensate for any potential misalignment there might be
between the first and second orifices 24, 24'.
In one embodiment, the flexible sleeve 30 may be made from a
material of the elastomer type and comprises at least one bellows.
The connection between the ends of the flexible sleeve 30 and the
second faces 32.2, 32.2' of the frames 32, 32' is obtained by
overmoulding.
According to another feature, the coupling 28 may comprise at least
one handle 48. According to one configuration, at least one of the
first and second frames 32, 32' comprises a handle 48. In one
embodiment, the third edge 42 of the first frame 32 has a hollow
tube 50 obtained by rolling the third edge 42 over on itself. To
complement that, the handle 48 is a more or less rigid cable 52,
having a portion housed inside the hollow tube 50 and ends
connected to one another to form a loop.
Referring now to FIGS. 5 to 8, each frame 32, 32' comprises a
handle 48, 48'. According to one configuration, the first and
second frames 32, 32' are identical. The first slide-way 34 of the
first coupling system 26 comprises first and second approximately
rectilinear brackets 54, 56, securely attached to the first wall
22, arranged on either side of the first orifice 24, approximately
parallel to one another and to the first direction of introduction
DI, and configured to accept the first and second edges 38, 40 of
the first frame 32 of the coupling 28. According to one embodiment,
the first and second brackets 54, 56, may comprise first and second
ends, respectively, via which the first frame 32 is introduced,
which flare out to make it easier for the first frame 32 to be
introduced.
The second slide-way 34' of the second coupling system 26' may
comprise approximately rectilinear first and second brackets 54',
56' securely attached to the second wall 22', arranged on either
side of the second orifice 24', approximately parallel to one
another and to the second direction of introduction DI' and
configured to accept the first and second edges 38', 40' of the
second frame 32' of the coupling 28. According to one embodiment,
the first and second brackets 54', 56' may comprise first and
second ends, respectively, via which the second frame 32' is
introduced, which flare out to make it easier for the second frame
32' to be introduced.
Referring back to FIG. 2, each bracket 54, 54', 56, 56' comprises a
first flange 58 pressed firmly against the first or second wall 22,
22' and connected thereto by any appropriate means, a second flange
60 parallel to the first flange 58, spaced away from the first or
second walls 22, 22', and a web 62 connecting the first and second
flanges 58, 60. Each bracket 54, 54', 56, 56' is positioned in such
a way that the second flange 60 is closer to the first or second
orifice 24, 24' than the first flange 58. The second flange 60 is
separated from the first or second wall 22, 22' by a distance
capable of housing the first or second frame 32, 32' and the first
or second peripheral seal 46, 46', with which that bracket
collaborates, achieving a small degree of compression of the first
or second peripheral seal 46, 46'.
The brackets 54, 54', 56, 56' all have the same cross section and
the same length which is greater than the diameter of the first or
second orifice 24, 24'. The disclosure is not limited to the
embodiment concerning the first and second slide-ways 34, 34'.
According to another feature, at least one of the first and second
coupling systems 26, 26' may comprise an end stop 64 configured to
halt the translational movement of the coupling 28 in the coupled
state. According to one embodiment, the end stop 64 takes the form
of a third bracket 66, 66', which has a cross section identical to
that of the first and second brackets 54, 54', 56, 56' and which is
configured to accept the fourth edge 44, 44' of the first or second
frame 32, 32'.
According to one configuration, the first and second coupling
systems 26, 26' may comprise first and second end stops 64, 64',
respectively. Thus, they each comprise three brackets 54, 56, 66,
54', 56', 66' forming a C-shape, the first and second brackets 54,
56, 54', 56' being horizontal and the third bracket 66, 66' being
vertical and connecting the first and second brackets 54, 56, 54',
56'.
According to another feature, at least one of the first and second
coupling systems 26, 26' comprises a locking system 68 configured
to immobilize the coupling 28 in the coupled state. The locking
system 68 and the end stops 64 are arranged on either side of the
first or second orifice 24, 24', the coupling 28 being immobilized
between the end stop 64 and the locking system 68 in the coupled
state.
The locking system 68 may comprise a flexible tongue 70 which has a
base 70.1 secured to the first or second wall 22, 22' and a tab
portion 70.2 having an end 70.3 oriented towards the first or
second orifice 24, 24', configured to deform elastically between a
rest state, in which the end 70.3 is spaced away from the first or
second wall 22, 22' and immobilizes the coupling 28 in the coupled
state, and a deformed state in which the end 70.3 is stuck to or
close to the first or second wall 22, 22' so as to allow the
coupling 28 to be disconnected. In one configuration, each of the
first and second coupling systems 26, 26' comprises a locking
system 68, 68'. To complement that, the locking system 68 comprises
at least one cutout 72, provided on at least one of the first and
second frames 32, 32', configured to house the end 70.3 of the
flexible tongue 70 when the latter is in the rest state and the
coupling 28 is in the coupled state.
The principle of operation of the connecting device is now
described. Using the handle or handles 48, 48', the coupling 28 is
positioned between the two avionics racks 14, 14', the flexible
sleeve 30 can compress to adapt to suit the spacing between the two
avionics racks 14, 14'. The first and second frames 32, 32' of the
coupling 28 are introduced into the first and second slide-ways 34,
34', respectively. The flared shapes of the ends of the first and
second slide-ways 34, 34' make it easier for the first and second
frames 32, 32' to be introduced blind. The capacity of the flexible
sleeve 30 to deform makes it possible to compensate for any
potential misalignment there might be between the first and second
orifices 24, 24'. In the direction of introduction, the flexible
tongue 70 of each locking system 68, 68' becomes pressed firmly
against the first or second wall 22, 22' so as to allow the
coupling 28 to pass. This coupling is pushed in until the first
and/or second frames 32, 32' come into contact with the first
and/or second end stops 64, 64'. At this point, the flexible tongue
70 of each locking system 68, 68' automatically reverts to the rest
position and its end 70.3 becomes housed in the cutout 72 of the
first or second frame 32, 32' with which it collaborates.
In order to disconnect the coupling 28, each flexible tongue 70 of
each locking system 68, 68' is deformed using a tool so as to allow
the coupling 28 to be removed. This tool may take the form of a
plate inserted between the frame 32 or 32' and the flexible tongue
70.
The connecting device allows easy and quick mounting without the
use of tools, in a limited space between two avionics racks. And
removing the connecting device can be performed easily and quickly
using a simple tool. The flexible sleeve may be able to adapt to
the variable spacing between two avionics racks because of its
deformability, which will also make it possible to compensate for
misalignment between the orifices 24, 24' of the two avionics
racks.
The cross section of the openings 36, 36' of the first and second
frames 32, 32' can be adapted to suit the cross section of the
orifices 24, 24' which may not be identical and which may have
circular, ovoid, rectangular or other cross sections. The
connecting device has a low mass and does not affect the on-board
mass of the aircraft. Finally, although described in an application
for two avionics racks, the connecting device can be used for
connecting two portions of an air circuit that opens via two
orifices provided on two walls.
While at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention(s)
is disclosed herein, it should be understood that modifications,
substitutions and alternatives may be apparent to one of ordinary
skill in the art and can be made without departing from the scope
of this disclosure. This disclosure is intended to cover any
adaptations or variations of the exemplary embodiment(s). In
addition, in this disclosure, the terms "comprise" or "comprising"
do not exclude other elements or steps, the terms "a" or "one" do
not exclude a plural number, and the term "or" means either or
both. Furthermore, characteristics or steps which have been
described may also be used in combination with other
characteristics or steps and in any order unless the disclosure or
context suggests otherwise. This disclosure hereby incorporates by
reference the complete disclosure of any patent or application from
which it claims benefit or priority.
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